Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams is poised to enter two markets and double down in a third by opening
dip shops that serve as calling cards for the company’s ice cream sold in grocery stores.

Jeni’s plans to open its first shops in Atlanta and Chicago and its second in Nashville, Tenn.,
by the end of September, but likely earlier than that, said John Lowe, CEO of the Columbus-based
artisanal ice cream and topping maker.

“We think that our own shops are a way for more people to be introduced to what Jeni is doing.
And we believe they support the wholesale growth in grocery stores,” Lowe said.

Started in 2002 at the North Market by Jeni Britton Bauer, the maker of local favorites such as
Brambleberry Crisp ice cream and Riesling Poached Pear Sorbet sells its products in more than 800
grocery stores, including five stores each in Kuwait and Dubai, Lowe said.

By fall, Jeni’s will have 15 dip shops in Ohio, Tennessee, Illinois and Georgia, he said. That
includes a recently opened shop in Easton Town Center and “pop-up” stores in German Village and
Columbus Commons.

“The gravel has been just tremendous,” Lowe said. “It’s the most recent example of Jeni’s
creativity and brilliance.”

Earlier this year, Jeni’s designed, built and installed two vending machines at Port
Columbus.

“Port Columbus passengers are pleasantly surprised to find Jeni’s ice cream in the airport,”
Elaine Roberts, president and CEO of Columbus Regional Airport Authority, said at the time.

Named a “Breakout Brand” this year by trade publication
Nation’s Restaurant News, Jeni’s is opening its Atlanta store next to Star Provisions and
Bacchanalia, the gourmet store and restaurant run by Anne Quatrano, a James Beard Foundation
Award-winning chef.

Britton Bauer won her own James Beard Award last year for her
Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams at Home cookbook.

“We are thrilled to be coming in next door to the phenomenal area that has grown up around Star
Provisions and Bacchanalia,” Lowe said.